Chelsea began Xabi Alonso’s reign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday evening, securing three points in the opening round of the Premier League.
The result gave Alonso his first win as Chelsea manager, while Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa suffered his first defeat in the competition. Chelsea twice established a two-goal advantage, but Fulham kept the match alive until the final whistle.
Chelsea made the perfect start, taking the lead after only 31 seconds. Joao Pedro received a through ball from Cole Palmer, controlled it inside the Fulham penalty area and produced an accomplished finish over the advancing goalkeeper.
According to Opta, Joao Pedro’s goal came after 31 seconds, making it the fastest goal scored in the history of the opening round of the Premier League.
Despite that early setback, Fulham levelled in the 23rd minute. Joshua King collected a pass from Timothy Castagne inside the Chelsea area before striking a powerful shot beyond goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and into the net.
The hosts’ equaliser restored balance to a lively first half, but Chelsea regained the lead four minutes before the interval.
The move began when Palmer played the ball towards Maxence Lacroix. The defender advanced into the penalty area and delivered a cross, which Morgan Rogers met with a close-range finish in front of goal to make it 2-1.
Chelsea extended their advantage shortly after half-time. In the 49th minute, Joao Pedro returned the favour to Palmer by sending him through with a pass that split the Fulham defence. Palmer then fired a powerful effort from inside the area which the Fulham goalkeeper was unable to stop.
Fulham responded quickly and reduced the deficit in the 54th minute. A strong effort from one of their players was saved by Sanchez, but the rebound fell to Gonzalo Garcia, who reacted first and headed the ball firmly into the net from close range.
The goal, Garcia’s first for Fulham, gave the home side renewed belief and set up a tense final period at Craven Cottage.
Fulham pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the remaining minutes, while Chelsea attempted to protect their narrow advantage. The visitors resisted the pressure and held on for a valuable victory in their first Premier League match of the season.
The result means Chelsea open their campaign with three points under Alonso, while Fulham must recover from a closely contested defeat in Arbeloa’s first Premier League match as manager.
